About the Book
Book: Treasures of the Wise: 30 Devotions For Storing Up Heavenly Riches
Author: Tracy L. Smoak
Genre: Pictorial Devotional
Release date: December, 2024
Stories have been written throughout the centuries about the search for gold. But the true treasure we all need is easier to find than we think. For the wise person, treasure that will not be wasted, tarnished, or stolen can only be found in God’s Word.
Join author and educator Tracy Smoak on a thirty-day journey around the world as she showcases coins to highlight the beauty of the eternal treasure given to us from God. Each devotional is short but filled with riches beyond what the world can offer, as well as photographs of unique international coins and snippets of information about them.
Start your day off as one of the wise, who seeks after priceless insights offered by our Heavenly Father.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
A native Floridian, Tracy L. Smoak grew up riding horses and climbing citrus trees. Her passion is to encourage others in their faith journey. Smoak contributes to Guideposts. Ambassador International released her debut novel, Who Brought the Dog to Church?. Bold Vision published her Bible study about encouragement titled Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place.
She loves photography, and Treasures of the Wise is the third devotional with her original images. Living Water to Refresh Your Soul features tranquil lake scenes while Arranged with Love showcases floral landscapes.
Smoak holds a master’s in Education and a bachelor’s in Communication. At her church home she leads small-group Bible studies.
More from Tracy
Laying Up Treasures
The word “treasure” can send mixed messages. On one hand, that noun can bring forth images of pirates commandeering others’ gold and valuables. We all get a gleam in our eye from time to time and dream of great wealth.
The verb form of “treasure” means to hold something dear, such as a photograph of loved ones. This object may have no special worth, other than sentiment. What priceless object do you protect? Is it a leather baby shoe stored in a tiny box or a beaten-up, old baseball glove?
Either way, what we pursue—and hold—as our prized possession reveals much about our priorities. Is our contentment based upon acquisitions? If so, we find ourselves on a merry-go-round ride that leaves us dizzy. No matter how much we get, we still want more. This constant demand is damaging.
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9 NIV).
To be well off, we need to put our hope in God, who richly provides us with all that we need and more.
“The emptiness we try to fill with earthly things stems from the desire for more of God,” said author and teacher Nancy Jenkins (Bibledolls: A Panorama of 28 Biblical Women).
To live well, we are advised to complete a wealth of good deeds. We are to be generous and willing to share. “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19 NIV).
Today’s prayer:
Dear Lord, please help us act on opportunities to do good for others. We appreciate your many gifts and find contentment in this moment, just as things are, with You by our side. Amen.
Interview with the Author
1)What does success as an author look like to you?
Success occurs when ideas connect with readers and help them cope with everyday life. I love it when someone lets me know that a Scripture or quote touched them in a meaningful way and encouraged them. Sharing photographs of God’s many blessings brings me joy.
2)What inspired this book?
When traveling overseas, I love studying the designs on foreign currency. I imagine who might have held the coins and what they could tell me about their life. Over the years, a simple collection grew, so I began sharing the coins with high school students in my English classes. We made maps, wrote narratives, and studied cultural icons. Treasures of the Wise combines my love of learning with Bible truths.
3)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?
My new favorite verses come from reading yesterday in 1 Chronicles 9:26-27 NIV:
The gatekeepers “were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God. They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning.”
This is special because it reminds us that every person has been entrusted with the ability to protect the precious things of God. Each night with prayer, we guard our loved ones. And each morning walking forward in faith, we open doors for others to see God.
4)What would you like your readers to get out of this book?
My prayer is that these pictures and reflections make the Bible come alive and reveal good ways to manage money. I believe showing everyday blessings reminds us how much God already has given us to cherish.
5)What are you reading right now?
American and Iran: A History 1720 to the Present by John Ghazvinian reads like a novel. He captures key historical events in conversational manner that influence today. The 545-page nonfiction isn’t my typical read, but Ghazvinian fascinates with insights. His additional 74 pages of endnotes document the precision and care employed to write the work. Most of all, he maintains an unbiased voice. I am in awe of the work he’s done.
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 29
Lots of Helpers, January 29
Leslie’s Library Escape, January 30
Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1
For the Love of Literature, February 2 (Author Interview)
SHE LIVES TO READ, February 3
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 4 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, February 5
Blossoms and Blessings, February 6 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, February 6
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 7
Cover Lover Book Review, February 8
Artistic Nobody, February 9 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 11
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Tracy is giving away the grand prize of a hardcopy of the color devotional!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.